Queensland family-friendly travel guide

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About Queensland

From the tip of Cape York to the sands of Coolangatta and the stark landscapes of the outback, Queensland is one big theme park with all sorts of natural and man-made attractions.

Take the kids exploring in pristine world heritage rainforest or let them loose with the animals on a farm stay. Show them the Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach, the Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton, or take them to a rodeo in the historic mining town of Mt Isa. Let them fossick for gemstones in Emerald, dig for thunder eggs near Rockhampton or look at dinosaur fossils in Riversleigh. For active holidays, they can abseil at Kangaroo Point in Brisbane, hike in Carnarvon Gorge or go white water rafting near Cairns.

If your children are into ‘Finding Nemo’, the perfect holiday for you is staying at one of the many island resorts on or near the Great Barrier Reef. They can snorkel in the clear blue water and look for Nemo to their heart’s content.

Queensland facts

Capital

Brisbane

Population

4.961 million (2017)

Time zone

GMT+10

Landmass

1.853 million km²

Currency

Australian dollar

Emergency number

000

Helpful information

Where to go

Tropical North Queensland

Tropical North Queensland is host to two of Australia’s World Heritage-listed sites – the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropic Rainforest, making it an always popular destination for families year-round. Secluded beaches, lush rainforests, vibrant reefs and an endless array of water activities are just a few of the reasons to pick this spectacular location for your next getaway by the sea.

If it’s beautiful beaches you’re after for the perfect family holiday, head north of Cairns and you’ll find 26 kilometres of golden beaches sheltered by the Great Barrier Reef. Visit Yorkeys Knob, Machans, Trinity, Holloways and Ellis beaches, or pristine Palm Cove, which is absolutely charming with its panoramic beachfront, flanked by chic boutiques, colourful galleries and classy coffee shops.

Further north, an hour’s drive from Cairns, Port Douglas is a great base for exploring the wonders of this region, with Kuranda, Daintree Village and Cape Tribulation all within reach. Once a sleepy fishing village, Port Douglas is now the jewel of Tropical North Queensland – attractive, modern and classy with ritzy shops and top-quality restaurants offering world-class dining.

Hamilton Island

Nestled among the Whitsunday Islands at the edge of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s favourite island holiday destinations. Much of the car-free island is covered in lush greenery and the coast is fringed by coral reefs, making Hamilton Island an idyllic location to switch off, relax and appreciate great food, warm weather and quality time with loved ones in magnificent natural surrounds.

The Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a playground for all ages, with plenty of options for couples, thrill seekers and singles out for a good time, but there’s no doubt that it’s extra special for kids, with some of the best theme parks in the country. The Gold Coast is a huge winner in all departments, and when it comes to parks, we’re not talking a few swings and a slide: we’re talking about the best theme parks in the country! Sea World, Dreamworld, Movie World, Paradise Country and Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast are every child’s idea of the perfect holiday. Parents can be assured of a peaceful night, as after a day at one of these parks, the kids will be completely tuckered out.

Brisbane

Brisbane has plenty for kids to do. It has the world’s largest koala sanctuary, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, with about 130 koalas, as well as kangaroos, wombats, platypuses, dingos and reptiles. Or you can ride a mini train through Roma Street Parklands. The free train comes with an audio commentary and you can stay on for the 20-minute ride through the gardens or hop off at any stage.

Brisbane also has quite a few indoor spaces for kids. Queensland Museum’s ScienCentre is full of interactive science exhibits, including an optical illusions exhibit. The State Library of Queensland has a dedicated Kids’ Corner with puzzles, puppets, online games, and, of course, reading activities.

Moreton Island

Located right on Brisbane’s doorstep, beautiful Moreton Island is the third largest sand island in the world and a nature lover’s paradise: covered in tall sand dunes, crystal-clear lakes, fields of wildflowers and pristine beaches. Take the trip across the bay and leave civilisation and roads behind, and replace the sounds of city bustle with the calming sounds of breaking waves. Play on the beach, hand feed wild dolphins, snorkel among shipwrecks, explore the sand dunes by 4WD or toboggan and camp out under the stars – there’s something for all ages on Moreton Island!

The Whitsundays

One of the world’s most stunning aquatic playgrounds, the Whitsundays contain over 74 spectacular islands and is surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef. Should you prefer to stay on one of the magnificent islands ringed with glittering turquoise waters and fringed with silky white sand, there are plenty of options.

The Sunshine Coast

Just north of Brisbane lies Queensland’s aptly named Sunshine Coast and Fraser Island, a heavenly stretch of white sandy beaches, miles of surf, crystal-clear waters and rolling green mountains. The region is also blessed with the majestic Glasshouse Mountains and unspoiled rainforest, so there’s plenty to do and see to keep the whole family happy and active!

Best time to go to Queensland

Since Queensland is so large, the average temperatures can vary greatly between its various regions. However, by and large Queensland enjoys a relatively warm climate even through the winter.

Summer

Summer is December to February and very warm. In the tropical northern regions, average temperatures are around 32 degrees Celsius.

Winter

Winter is June to August, and will seem comparatively warm if you’re travelling from New South Wales or Victoria, with average degrees of around 25 degrees Celsius.

Getting in and around for families

Major airport

International airports in Queensland include the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville. Domestic air services are located at Karumba, Normanton, Burketown, Mt Isa, Proserpine, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Maroochy. Various other smaller centres offer regional air services.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in cities throughout Queensland.

Public transport

Queensland’s major cities such as Brisbane are quite well connected by public transport including buses, trains and ferries, however this is increasingly sparse the further into rural areas you plan to head. You can find timetables and route information here.

Food and drinks that kids will love

Food won’t be a problem with the abundance of superb fresh produce and seafood ensuring gourmet dining every night. Queensland’s rich soil produces some of Australia’s finest fresh fruit and vegetables, while its vineyards are home to many award-winning wines.

If you’re feeling adventurous, encourage the kids to try out some traditional bush tucker and indigenous foods, and make sure you make time to visit one of the local farmers markets!

Shopping

Queensland has something to offer everybody, with a range of major cities offering great retails outlets, and its small regional towns filled with quirky local arts and crafts just waiting to be discovered.

Kids will love bejeweling themselves with island-vibes bling, while Australian Indigenous art is a unique and beautiful way to decorate your home – just make sure it’s the real deal and you’re supporting ethical purchasing, as cheap knock-offs and fakes pose a threat to true Indigenous artist’s livelihoods.

Customs

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated, but not expected in Australia.

What to wear

Casual lightweight clothing is the norm in Queensland. A jacket or warmer clothing may be required for cooler winter evenings. Long pants and comfortable walking shoes are recommended if you plan to do any bushwalking or horse riding. To ensure adequate protection from the sun, wear a broad-rimmed hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen. These are essential all year round.

Courtesy

Australia is renowned for its laid-back, egalitarian culture. By and large, friendliness is equated with good manners.

Electricity

Mains voltage in Australia is 230V AC, 50Hz. Use a three-pin adaptor (different to British three-pin adaptors).

Safety and health precautions

Health precautions

No special immunisations or vaccinations are required to visit Australia unless you have come from, or have visited, a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival. However, regulations and medical advice can change at short notice, so check with your doctor and the Australian Department of Health before you leave home.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Australian cities.

Safety

Queensland occasionally experiences natural disasters such as cyclones or tropical storms.

Remember to stay safe when swimming in the far north, as marine stingers can be a problem. Always swim between the flags; if there is a stinger-proof enclosure, swim there, and wear wetsuits or lycra swimsuits. Also, enter the water slowly. If stung, see a lifeguard.

Most photographed places

The stunning Ellinjaa Falls

This cascading water over a series of lava columns is quite a sight! There’s a walkway to the base of the falls where you can catch a glimpse of the resident turtles and platypus, and it’s a pristine swimming location, too.

Whitehaven Beach

This is where you will capture those iconic white sand, crystal-blue water beach shots. In fact, this stunning seven-kilometre-long beach is the most photographed in Australia.

The Great Barrier Reef

If you’re lucky enough to experience a helicopter or seaplane ride over the Great Barrier Reef, make sure to take your camera along to capture amazing shots from the air. In particular, look out for the famous Heart Reef.

Mossman Gorge

Get that token photo sitting on one of the round boulders of Mossman Gorge, while also enjoying a swim without having to worry about crocs (locals say it is one of the best freshwater swimming spots in the whole region). As part of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, the gorge is surrounded by the oldest continually surviving rainforest anywhere on earth – largely unchanged for more than 135 million years.